In religion and politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing. - Autobiography of Mark Twain
It used to be one of the cardinal rules of etiquette: never discuss religion and politics. Nowadays, not so much. According to Anna Post, it can be acceptable to discuss these topics if you avoid certain pitfalls such as oversharing, and know the goal of the conversation.
My personal opinion? Don't go there. Since these types of discussions rarely ever sway the other party to your point of view, then what really is the point of having them? The more likely scenario is that someone will either get annoyed, angry or offended.
Sure you can always "agree to disagree," but what if you're stuck in a discussion with one of those people who won't let you? (I've actually been in a discussion where someone refused to "agree to disagree.") What then?
In the end, you will draw your own conclusions about your political and religious affiliations. But if you're still not convinced and you're up for a spirited debate, at least use these guidelines.
Nov 2, 2012
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